About Us

Leadership Team

John D’Eramo, RN, BSN, MHA

President and CEO

John D’Eramo brings a unique blend of administration and clinical experience in the behavioral health and substance abuse field to his role as MCCA’s CEO. Building on his experience and track record, John is looking forward to continuing to strengthen MCCA’s position as a leading, innovative substance abuse provider and a valuable resource to the communities it serves.

Previously to joining the team at MCCA, John served as Chief Operating Officer of Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH) for five years. As the senior hospital administrator, he was responsible for the operations of a 614-bed behavioral health facility with three divisions – Addiction Services, Forensic Services, and General Psychiatry Services. During his time at CVH, John was also responsible for promotion of recovery-based services that support customer satisfaction and organizational excellence, and ensured that all services exceeded the standards for the Joint Commission and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Additionally, he transformed the Addiction Services Division to meet the needs of anyone in the community requiring comprehensive treatment services. Prior to his position at CVH, John was the Director of Hospital and Nursing Services at the Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS). During his time at SWCMHS, John initiated innovative changes, including the implementation of the Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment inpatient unit. A Registered Nurse, John holds a Bachelor of Science from Sacred Heart University and a Master of Health Care Administration from Western Connecticut State University. In 2008, he received the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) Distinguished Managerial Service Award and was also named as one of three State of Connecticut Distinguished Managers.

John and his wife reside in Monroe with their three children. In addition to a busy family life, John enjoys golfing with friends in his spare time.

Glenn Connan, MBA

Vice President and CFO

Glenn has extensive experience managing both the operations and financial affairs of organizations. He joined MCCA in 2008 and is responsible for the financial health and well-being of the agency. As a member of the company’s senior management team, Glenn directs all financial and accounting activities, is involved in strategic planning, as well as assisting in the management of day-to-day operations of the company. Glenn is committed to the success of MCCA and its clients recovery. Under his leadership and with a philosophy of “doing well by doing good” MCCA has substantially increased the number of clients served. In the ten years he has been with MCCA, the organization has experienced significant growth.

Prior to joining MCCA, Glenn spent nine years with Autotote Enterprises, Inc., directing the financial and accounting activities of the company. Prior to that he worked as a staff accountant for the firm McGladrey & Pullen LLP. Glenn earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting as well as his Master in Business Administration from Fairfield University.

Jaya Daptardar, BAMS, MHA

Chief Operating Officer

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine and Surgery, Jaya was a Chief Medical Officer for a 50 bed general hospital, and has more than 20 years of clinical experience. Jaya has progressively gained responsive experience in Behavioral Healthcare Management with the task of managing and organizing the business with high quality and high productivity standards. She concentrates on continuous growth and new opportunities for business development.

With more than 12 years of management experience, Jaya has successfully planned and implemented electronic health record systems, increasing efficiency and revenue for MCCA. She is also certified in Hospital Organization Management and billing. Jaya represents internationally and locally on a variety of topics in the field of behavioral health, as well as natural and holistic care. Client satisfaction and excellent customer service are a strong focus for Jaya. This is evidenced by her commitment to opening up more access to clients with continuation of treatment — with the goal to provide Help and instill Hope. You can contact Jaya at jdaptardar@mccaonline.com.

Jennifer Ballew, DO, PhD

Chief Medical Officer

A board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Ballew brings extensive practical experience in various mental health care settings to MCCA, including hospitals, residential substance abuse treatment centers, partial hospital programs, intensive outpatient programs, and community clinics. She is intensely passionate about making effective and efficient treatments for both psychiatric and substance use disorders available in a timely manner to those in need.

Dr. Ballew is responsible for ensuring client’s health and safety across all levels of care at MCCA. Overseeing MCCA’s medical staff, Dr. Ballew keeps the organization up-to-date with the current standards of care in the field, and is actively involved in treatment planning, risk assessment, program development, and strategic planning for continued clinical growth.

Dr. Ballew completed her undergraduate degree in neuroscience at the University of Michigan. She followed this with a doctorate in pharmacology and toxicology, and then her medical degree, both from Michigan State University. She completed her medical internship and psychiatry residency at Yale University in New Haven.

Lee Bodkin

Director of Marketing & Communications

Lee helps to tell the story of MCCA, raising awareness of the breadth and depth of services we offer to those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Her favorite part of that process is sharing the stories of the people whose lives have been transformed through recovery. Those stories can be found in our annual reports.

A strategic, goal driven communications professional with close to 20 years of experience, Lee has focused her career on internal and external communications, brand development, public speaking, content management, advertising, and strategy. Previously, she created and successfully executed a communications strategy for the Smilow Center at NYU Langone Medical Center and worked as a writer and editor at Time Inc. Content Solutions.

In her free time, Lee enjoys biking and hiking in this beautiful part of Connecticut. You can contact her at lbodkin@mccaonline.com.

Steve Palma, MS, LPC

Outpatient Clinical Director

Prior to stepping into the role of Outpatient Clinical Director, Steve was the Program Director for MCCA’s busy New Haven outpatient clinic. He brings a slate of experience to this role, which includes his work as a Clinician IV for the Men’s Intensive Outpatient Program as well as the Tobacco Treatment Specialist. Before joining the MCCA team, Steve was a Clinician for Rushford and FSW of Bridgeport. His diverse managerial experience includes Production and Creative Manager at Condé Nast Publishing, as well as Operations Director in Construction Contracting.

Steve received his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University, his Bachelors in Psychology from Albertus Magnus College, and an Associates in Business Management from St. John’s University. Steve’s education and experience make him an ideal candidate to lead our seven outpatient clinics.